8
Program Semesters
111
Credit hours
6
Weeks of part-time clinical experiences
32
Weeks of Full-time clinical experiences
Applications will continue to be accepted until JUNE 1, 2024 or all seats are full. Your future is now! Learn in state-of-the art facilities with other health science disciplines in a Christian, learner-centered environment. Reach out to us to find out more about all of the exciting things happening in our program.
Admissions
Degree Requirements
Applicants must complete a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution prior to starting the DPT program.
Prerequisite Courses
All applicants must complete each of the following prerequisites with a grade of “C” or better. However, a “B” or better is strongly recommended. Applicants may choose to repeat a course, however, the grades will be averaged and only the first retake will be used.
| Course | Lab Requirement | Credit hours |
| *Human Anatomy/ A & P I with lab | YES | 4 |
| *Human Physiology/ A & P II with lab | YES | 4 |
| Biology I and II | YES | 8 |
| General Chemistry I and II | YES | 8 |
| General Physics I and II | YES | 8 |
| General Psychology | NO | 3 |
| Statistics | NO | 3 |
| **Precalculus trigonometry or higher | NO | 3 |
| English Composition I and II | NO | 6 |
| Medical Terminology | NO | 1 |
*Course must be in the department of biology, neuroscience, anatomy, physiology (not kinesiology)
**Precalculus trigonometry will be waived if student can verify through syllabus and course description that content was taught in physics.
All science courses must be taken within 10 years of the admission cycle year. Credit for courses older than 10 years may be made through validation by examination or another appropriate mechanism. All courses must also be from an accredited institution.
GPA requirements
Applicants must have a minimum prerequisite grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale as well as at least a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of academic coursework. Overall GPA will also be considered, therefore it is strongly recommended that the overall GPA be at least a 3.0 as well. Graduate work is not used to calculate GPA.
Official Test Scores
All applicants must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) within 5 years of the admission cycle year. While there is no minimum score required, scores are considered along with other data in the application.
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required with the application. One must be from a professor who can speak to your academic ability to matriculate successfully through a graduate professional program. The other must be from a licensed physical therapist who can speak to your professional demeanor, ability to function in a complex environment, communicate effectively, and collaborate with others.
Recommendations are not accepted from family, friends, politicians or clergy.
Observations Hours
Applicants are required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of observation of physical therapy services within the past two years of the admission cycle year. These observation hours must occur in a minimum of 2 different settings. (outpatient, acute care, home health etc. )
Interview
Successful completion of an admission interview. Applicants are selected for interviews based on a holistic evaluation of their application and supporting materials. Submission of all required application material does not guarantee an interview.
Supplemental Application: In addition to the PTCAS application, applicants must complete the Supplemental Graduate Application and submit a $50 application fee directly to Faulkner.
Additional Requirements
The holistic evaluation process includes a review of both academic and nonacademic factors. No one factor guarantees admission into the program. These include leadership activities, community service, advanced education, and patient care experiences. Students are strongly encouraged to spend time observing physical therapists in various practice settings in order to gain an understanding of the profession. Both observation hours and employment in a clinical facility will be considered. We suggest coming to Faulkner and meeting with our admissions team and touring the College of Health Sciences. We can help you along the way if you have questions about the application process.
Tuition and Fees
***Completion of minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. The Faulkner University PT Program Admissions Process is a competitive process; final decisions for admission are based on the recommendations of the Admissions Committee
DPT 2023-2024 Financial Fact Sheet (PDF)
Academic Calendar
Application Checklist
In addition to the checklist information, please check the 'Admissions' tab above.
Applying for Fall 2024:
- ✓ Completed PTCAS application: Faulkner PTCAS Application
- ✓ PTCAS application fee: Pay online through PTCAS.
- ✓ Supplemental Application: In addition to the PTCAS application, applicants must complete the Supplemental Graduate Application and submit a $50 application fee directly to Faulkner.
- ✓ Official GRE test scores: Submit official test scores to PTCAS using GRE Code 2962
- ✓ Official college transcripts: Submit all official college transcripts to PTCAS.
- ✓ Letters of recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required with the application.
- ✓ Verified observation hours
Program Info
Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree in Montgomery, Alabama
Earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree at Faulkner University offers more than career preparation and a comprehensive education in the technical aspects of rehabilitative medicine. Students can earn a graduate degree in a supportive, engaging Christian learning environment as they prepare to function as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in service to their patients and communities.
About the Curriculum
The DPT program at Faulkner University enables graduates to apply for licensure and seek employment as physical therapists. The eight-semester program includes 32 weeks of full-time clinical education, as well as up to six weeks of integrated and community-based experiences. During this time, students will work with dedicated faculty, program peers, and students across therapeutic disciplines, including those enrolled in the Occupational Therapy, Speech Language Pathology and Physician Assistant programs. The DPT curriculum also includes service activities throughout the River Region to support further real-world experience and Faulkner University’s commitment to Christian values.
Why Pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree?
Careers in physical therapy are extremely rewarding. Working in this field allows you to make a difference in the lives of patients, helping them overcome pain, disability, injuries, and more. Because of the high degree of skill and knowledge required to adequately treat patients, physical therapists are required to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from an accredited college or university as proof of their capabilities.
In addition to licensure requirements, a few of the reasons our graduate students seek a doctoral degree in physical therapy include:
- A passion for service and caring for others
- An interest in healthcare
- Diverse employment prospects in private practice, hospitals, senior care facilities, professional and collegiate sports organizations, rehabilitation facilities, etc.
- Growing demand for qualified physical therapists as the population ages
- Flexibility in employment options, from part-time work to independent clinic ownership
Why Choose the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Faulkner University?
There are many Doctor of Physical Therapy programs across the United States, but students choose Faulkner University for its commitment to rigorous learning standards, opportunities for real-world experience, and strong Christian foundation. Every course and clinical experience challenges students to think critically, reflect on the concepts they’re learning, and grow as physical therapy practitioners, lifetime learners, and Christians.
Every member of our faculty is committed to each student’s academic and professional success. What’s more, they serve as caring mentors, guiding students’ growth as individuals, community members, and followers of Christ. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to lead in your field, find career success, and live your values as you navigate an ever-advancing, always-evolving healthcare landscape. To learn more about our Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Montgomery, Alabama, request more information or apply online today.
Additional DPT Information
DPT Resources
Student Resources:
Download the DPT Student Handbook
If you want to learn more about the physical therapy profession, education, licensure and more please follow the links below:
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
http://www.capteonline.org/home.aspx
American Physical Therapy Association
http://www.apta.org/
Alabama Physical Therapy Association
https://www.ptalabama.org/
Alabama Board of Physical Therapy
http://pt.alabama.gov/
Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
https://www.fsbpt.org/
Graduate Outcomes
Information regarding graduation, employment, and licensure pass rates will be posted here once the program graduates its first class.
Essential Functions
Each applicant is required to fill the Essential Functions Online Form prior to matriculation to ensure they are familiar with the essential functions of a physical therapist and the process to seek reasonable accommodations.
Any questions regarding the Essential Functions of a Physical Therapist or accommodations should be directed to the Director for the Center of Disability Services.
Nondiscrimination Statement
Nondiscrimination Statement
Faulkner University complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders prohibiting discrimination towards students, faculty, staff, and persons served in the program’s clinics. This includes prohibitions on discrimination based on any category prohibited by applicable law but not limited to age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran status.
In connection with its educational policies, admissions, financial aid, educational programs, or activities, Faulkner University complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders prohibiting discrimination on the basis of age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran status to those who meet its admission criteria and are willing to uphold its values as stated in the Conduct Regulations contained in the Student Handbook and relevant program handbooks.
Faulkner University is a church-affiliated liberal arts institution committed to employing a highly qualified and diverse administration, faculty and staff, who reflect the University’s religious traditions, values, affiliation, and purpose. Faulkner University complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders prohibiting discrimination towards faculty and staff on any category prohibited by applicable law but not limited to age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran status. However, Faulkner University exercises a preference in employment for those qualified applicants who are members of the Churches of Christ, whose lifestyles are consistent with the mission of the University and with the beliefs and values of the Churches of Christ.
Based upon this commitment, Faulkner University follows the principle of nondiscrimination and operates within applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination. As a recipient of federal financial assistance, Faulkner is required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, as amended, not to discriminate on the basis of sex in its admissions policies, treatment of students, employment practices or educational programs except as required by religious tenets of the Churches of Christ. Faulkner has an Equal Opportunity Plan available upon request in the Office of Human Resources. Inquiries concerning the application of federal and state laws or regulations may be referred to the Office of Human Resources.
Comments/Complaints
Complaints Outside of Due Process
Complaints that fall outside of the realm of due process, such as those from clinical education sites, employers of graduates and the public, must be submitted in writing, preferably within 30 days of the incident. The grievance should include the names of those involved, date and location of incident, detailed description of the incident, and any specific concerns about the incident. Faulkner university strictly prohibits retaliation of any kind following a complaint submission.
The Program Director is responsible for handling complaints that fall outside of due process. In the event the Program Director is not available or if it is inappropriate for the Program Director to handle the complaint (e.g., the complaint involves the Program Director), the complaint will be forwarded to the Dean of the College of Health Sciences or the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Program Director or his/her designee must respond to the complainant within 3 weeks of receiving the complaint. When appropriate, the Program Director or his/her designee may consult with other University offices and personnel in addressing the complaint. This may include the Vice President Of Academic Affairs and/or Program Director meeting individually or jointly with all parties involved to seek resolution. The individual will be notified in writing of the decision, including potentially developing a written corrective action plan. The written grievance and any corrective action(s) will be kept on file by the Program Director in a locked cabinet in the Program’s office for a period of 5 years, after which they will be purged while maintaining confidentiality.
Students are expected to provide members of the public with the complaint process if requested to do so, and Clinical Faculty are made aware of the policy and process through the DPT Student Handbook.
Any individual or organization that is dissatisfied with his/her experience or encounter with any student, faculty, or staff member associated with the Department of Physical Therapy may file a complaint against the offending party with the Department of Physical Therapy Chair/ Program Director. Complaints should be addressed as follows:
Dr. Heather E. Mount
Department of Physical Therapy
Faulkner University
5345 Atlanta Hwy
Montgomery, Al 36109
Email: hmount@faulkner.edu
Phone: (334) 386- 7379
Complaints about the Department of Physical Therapy or the Program Director may be submitted directly to the Dean of the College of Health Sciences and/or Vice President of Academic Affairs at the following address:
Dr. Dave Rampersad
Vice President of Academic Affairs
Interim Dean, College of Health Sciences
Faulkner University
5345 Atlanta Hwy
Montgomery, Al 36109
Email drampersad@faulkner.edu
Phone: (334) 386-7102
Complaints about the DPT program or University related to compliance with accreditation standards must be submitted in writing to the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). These complaints should be addressed as follows:
Dr. Mary Romanello, Director
Department of Accreditation
American Physical Therapy Association
3030 Potomac Ave. Suite 100
Alexandria, VA 22305-3085
Email: maryromanello@apta.org
Phone: (703) 706-3240
Feedback About the Program
Patients, family members, or the public often want to offer positive feedback about student performance or the program. Those persons should be directed to Dr. Mount or Rampersad at the contacts listed above.
Accreditation Statement
Graduation from a physical therapist education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states.
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085
Telephone: 703-706-3245
Email: accreditation@apta.org
Effective April 27th 2021, Faulkner University has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 334-386-7378 or email dptinfo@faulkner.edu. Candidate for Accreditation is an accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program may matriculate students in professional courses. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status does not assure that the program will be granted Initial Accreditation.
Have further questions?
For Questions about the Faulkner DPT Program please contact us at CHSadmissions@faulkner.edu or 334-386-7378
For enrollment questions please contact our Graduate Enrollment Staff at the link below.
Physical Therapy Department
Heather Mount
Physical Therapy Program Director
Professor
334-386-7379
Chris Ireland
Director of Clinical Education
Associate Professor
334-386-7295
Robin Irwin
Associate Professor
334-386-7158
Sharon Rhodes
Associate Professor
334-386-7383
Amanda Ferrell
Administrative Coordinator
334-386-7378
Lesley Parrish
Assistant Professor
334-386-7956
Elizabeth Bartel
Assistant Professor
334-386-7957
Kana Kingsley
Assistant Professor
334-386-7959
Adrienne Phillips
Academic Secretary Clinical Education
334-386-7135
Tom Ford
Assistant Program Director
Professor
334-386-7748
Teressa Petosky
Assistant Professor
334-386-7749
Amanda Fields
Assistant Professor
334-386-7212
Cheryl Jackson
Professor
334-386-7352